DENVER ~ In a groundbreaking achievement, Colorado has risen from 27th to 3rd in the nation for preschool enrollment, according to a report released by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER). This remarkable progress is attributed to the state's Universal Preschool program, which saw nearly 70% of eligible four-year-olds enrolled in the 2023-24 school year.

Governor Jared Polis expressed his pride in this accomplishment, stating that Colorado is breaking down barriers and providing families with much-needed financial relief. The program, which serves a total of 52,617 three and four-year-olds, has saved families an average of $6,100 annually on preschool expenses.

Dr. Lisa Roy, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), emphasized the importance of early childhood education in shaping a child's future. She stated that the Universal Preschool program was created to ensure that every child has access to quality education regardless of their background.

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Since its launch in 2023, the Universal Preschool program has made significant strides in improving access to early childhood education. With nearly 2,000 participating providers statewide, families have more options and flexibility in choosing an early education model that best suits their needs.

The program also prioritizes serving diverse needs, with almost half of participating four-year-olds coming from low-income households. Additionally, many children classified as English-language learners, experiencing homelessness or having a disability have also benefited from this initiative.

Moreover, the Universal Preschool program has strengthened the early childhood education sector by distributing $239.4 million to providers in its first year. This not only enhances sustainability but also incentivizes growth within the sector.

Dawn Odean, Director of Universal Preschool, expressed her excitement about this achievement and emphasized their commitment to continuous improvement through partnerships with educators, providers, families and local communities. She believes that together they can create conditions for every child to thrive not just in preschool but beyond.

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This landmark achievement was made possible by Proposition EE, which was passed in November 2020, and subsequent laws like HB22-1295 in 2022. These laws paved the way for the CDEC and the Universal Preschool program, which is managed using a mixed-delivery model in partnership with Local Coordinating Organizations (LCOs).

The recently published Colorado Universal Preschool Annual Report highlights the success of the program's inaugural year and its impact on families and children. The report can be found on NIEER.org.

Colorado's rise to third place in preschool enrollment is a testament to the state's commitment to providing quality education for all children. With continued efforts and partnerships, Colorado is well on its way to ensuring that every child has access to early childhood education, setting them up for a brighter future.

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